Cardinal Health Inc vs Packaging Corporation of America — how do they compare? Cardinal Health Inc trades at $240.63 (market cap $55.55B), while Packaging Corporation of America trades at $257.2 (market cap $22.70B). The key difference: Cardinal Health Inc is far larger — about 2.4× Packaging Corporation of America's market cap, and Packaging Corporation of America pays the higher dividend (2.36%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAH | PKG | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $55.55B | $22.70B |
Sector | Health | Technology |
52-Week High | $239.71 | $256.04 |
52-Week Low | $146.04 | $191.68 |
Enterprise Value | $60.53B | $26.51B |
Dividend Yield | 0.86% | 2.36% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Cardinal Health (CAH) trades at $236.4, down 0.53% on the day, with a bullish technical outlook and strong earnings momentum after beating estimates for three consecutive quarters. The company reported $222.58B in revenue for 2025, with net income rising to $1.56B, and recently announced two home-care acquisitions to expand its at-Home Solutions segment. Analyst sentiment is positive, with a consensus price target of $262.80 and no sell ratings among 33 analysts.
The stock presents a favorable risk-reward profile with upside to the consensus target, supported by earnings beats and strategic growth initiatives. Key risks include high leverage with a debt-to-asset ratio of 16.09 in 2025 and thin net margins of 0.62%, which could pressure profitability if revenue growth slows or interest costs rise.
Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) trades at $256.04, up 1.3% on the day, with a bullish technical trend supported by moving averages and strong support at $252. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $2.35, beating estimates, driven by record corrugated shipments and contributions from the Greif acquisition, though net income margins face pressure from rising costs. A $1.50 dividend for H1-2026 reflects management's confidence, with a consensus price target of $269.33 suggesting modest upside.
Outlook: PKG benefits from robust demand and strategic acquisitions, but cost headwinds and a high P/E of 33.08 pose valuation risks. Analyst sentiment is mixed with 34.6% buy ratings, indicating cautious optimism amid margin compression and economic uncertainties. Key risks include freight and input cost inflation, competitive pricing pressure, and execution of integration synergies.
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Latest headlines on both assets
Cardinal Health is a leading pharmaceutical wholesaler, engaged in the sourcing and distribution of branded, generic, and specialty pharmaceutical products to pharmacies (retail chains, independent, and mail-order), hospitals networks, and healthcare providers. Along with AmerisourceBergen and McKesson, the three compose well over 90% of the U.S. pharmaceutical wholesale industry. Cardinal Health also supplies medical-surgical products and equipment to healthcare facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Read more on CAH →Packaging Corporation of America is a leading producer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products in North America. The company also produces white papers, which include printing and writing papers. PKG operates as an integrated manufacturer, with a strong focus on high-quality and sustainable packaging solutions for e-commerce, food and beverage, and other industrial and consumer markets.
Read more on PKG →